14 Years

Today Big Mister and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary. For those of you who have known us all of our married life, you'll get a chuckle from these photos. The rest of you, play along we'll take a little journey to the past.

Digtal cameras were not a dime a dozen so I had to scan real pictures. (What?) The quality may not be the greatest but you'll get the drift.

Maybe I should start with a little background. We were y-o-u-n-g. How would you feel if your 21 year old daughter wanted to get married?

Here's the engagement photo. What's up with the 'stache, Mr. Diggler? I'm also loving your outfit-very snazzy in 1993. And me, well, the thought of tweezing my eyebrows never occurred to me. They never became butterflies, but seriousy, where were my friends?

Oh, yes, my friends were here but not a mention of the eyebrows.

A few things; ew,ew,ew on the dresses-what the hell was I thinking? Chiffon scarves, hunter green? My sister still is mad about having to wear that thing.

My brother-in-law who wasn't my brother-in-law at that time (first dude on the left) yeah, someone forgot to mention to him that he's too tall to pull off a "foo-manchu" 'stache.

Beside his 'stache, one more detail stands out in this photo. The little bald fairy propped at the bottom of my dress. Yes, that's little Miss. I tell her often how special she was-not many kids can say they were a flower girl at their parent's wedding.

This photo cracks me up--please note where Big Mister is looking. "Eyes up here, pal."

Some things never change.

Yes, we are still here today-together. For richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health. It's been a fun ride, husband of mine. Your crinkles are deeper, hair is a little grayer but better..really.

Still can't wait to sit on our porch with our sandy feet while the sun is rising ,drink coffee (you'll learn to like it, right?), hold hands, and laugh like hell about our life.

Sunday, Again..ugh.

I feel like I should post, but I've really haven't a thing to say. Some random thoughts until I can muster something more profound to share.

-Attention Dog Food Manufacturers:
Why must we have to use a machete to open your bags?


-Notes on Importing Goods for the purpose of resale
* Don't.
*Simple ink pens fall under the Toxic Substances Control Act. otherwise known as the TSCA.
* U.S. Customs does not know what bunting is. They are also leery of item descriptions containing the words, "vintage", "boudoir", or "creatures".



Dear Target Stores,
You must stop placing anything that contains bling in the perimeter of your stores.

Who decided it would be a good idea to give bitchy brides their own tv show?
3 words for the drama queens-Get. A. Life.



Throw a load of clothes in the dryer. Wait a minute. Run outside under or near the dryer vent. Smell that? Divine.


Why are "titles" supposed to produce awe? Name droppers drive me crazy. Another 3 words I. Don't. Care.


Photos from the weekend--



The bags--loving the shape. The fabric line is "Love" by Amy Butler. Yes, a rather apt name.

Junk jar o' bling.

Attempt at a "creative" calling card for the Urban Market. Button flowers. (Yes, vintage.)

Get to bed--Monday requires all the energy one can muster. (Muster-word of the day.)

Help Wanted!

Holy Hannah, I need some help!

Looking for a personable, upbeat person to help at the Urban Market during the Holiday season.

Duties include customer service, merchandising, pricing, and overall management of the shop in my absence.

Hours may vary but I'm really in need of one (or two people 4 hours each) to man the shop on Thursdays from 9 to 5 twice a month with weekend hours available. $10/hr to start.

If you could use some extra Christmas cash, and would like to work in a fun and fabulous environment, please click here to fill out the application.

I would like to fill this position in the next few weeks so don't hesitate if you're interested. Use the contact me button on the right if you have more questions.

Homecoming Weekend and Creative Juices

I spent last Friday evening helping Little Miss and her "posse" cook a spaghetti supper before they set out to sit at a cold, cold Homecoming football game.

I give her much grief about her and her friends eating us out of house and home but I do love having her friends surround us at the supper table. It makes me feel like a "real" mom and I'm thankful that these kids feel comfortable in our house-not to mention the "grab before its gone" way of eating reminds me of home. I'm going to miss the girls when they go off to college. (Which isn't that far away..)


Little Mister will just have to bring a "posse" of girls when he and his friends get to this stage.

Since the shop was only one weekend this month, I feel like I have a ton of time on my hands. (This will change once I start to receive some of my November goodies-I'm soooooooo excited to share them with you-a peek later.)



This "excess" of time (I only think I have) was used to experiment with various projects I've been collecting.



I would like to challenge you this year to either a.) Make all of your Christmas presents or B.) shop only local to purchase them.



Here's a start on some ideas:


Two years ago, Little Miss begged for these mittens for Christmas. Expensive,but so cute. Made from recycled sweaters and non-matching. (Horrors for the practical people of the world-non-matching-yikes!) I loved them too.

A favorite cashmere sweater was showing signs of wear, so guess what?

It has been repurposed into these mittens. I have enough sweater left for another set. I dragged Big Mister to "Goodwill" on Saturday to hunt for other abandoned sweaters to transform. Lots of orphaned knits to turn into mittens to be found. Click here for a pattern and directions..

(Repurposed mittens at the shop this month--not my creations because I have a problem with doing things in bulk but they are just as cute.)

On my junk trip to Goodwill I was also on a mission to make these..I'm obsessed with cake plates and these you won't find at Target. They are great display at the shop not to mention they make me want to have a party. What about for your Thanksgiving dessert buffet??

No tutorial but it's really just some repurposed china and glasses and some really strong glue.

These (or something like them) for sale at the shop in November, too.

The yo-yo obsession is still with me, and so are those dang bib necklaces. You know, the ones like this.

I just had to figure out how to roll those damn roses. So here's a video that helps. And my roses below made from silk (in fall colors) that I found at my super secret fabric store.

Right now they are being held together with corsage pins because I still have to figure out how to secure them to something. I ripped the silk and am pleased with the organic way the fabric frays. (I did this one-handed and mastered it after alot of swearing--it can be done.)

Last, but never least..

I have been given the opportunity to be a part of fabulous network of entreprenuers who share my same hopes and fears, who own occassional sale boutiques, who like me, love what they do. This shop is literally around the corner from the Urban Market. When I look at my purchases from there, I instantly smile.


The first month, I bought this little pillow (grandma's brooch was included)--the Michael Miller fabric I fell in love with and of course, if something "blings, I'm done.

Last month, the poison bottles. That witchy thing again.

If you are in the hood, the Shop Around the Corner (yes, that's the store's name) is a must see. Click here for hours and directions.

More again soon....

October Tour Around the Shop

I wanted to take pictures of the shop open this weekend but I didn't. I snuck in on Sunday and snapped a few so I thought I'd give you a behind the scenes tour. (Behind the scenes=not open in this case.)

Welcome to the Urban Market.

This month's theme was Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered. There are white lights running across the ceiling so it really does look Bewitching. (Provided they are on.)

On a side note, remember VH1's "pop-up" videos?? They played videos but inserted little known tidbits on the screen about the scenes. Just wanted to get you in the mindset.)

-the tree branch used in the display was not easy to get. Big Mr. literally fell on his tush when helping me gather my twigs. Apparently, fallen tree branches are rather brittle. He shakes his head and whispers, "Another deposit." Yes, I'll never be able to pay him back. Thankfully, he gets me and doesn't ask too many questions.

-the Halloween candles smell divine. A little vintage Halloween image and scents of cinnamon, apples, and something that in her words, makes Mrs. Possibility want to eat.

To the right of "Oak Hollow" (or ridiculously hard to get tree branch) is one of my favorite displays.

Inside this display lives the most divine smelling soaps. A laundry fragrance (a must for guest sheets) and a dish soap that honestly, makes people want to do dishes. The scent lasts long after the water has drained from the sink.

May I recommend Fresh Grass??

-the refrigerator is circa 1950. It was in a cabin purchased in 1958 and recently found it's way to me. I love the shape and the aqua color. I was thrilled when Mrs. Tootsie suggested the possibility of this lovely living at the shop.

North of Mrs. Tootsie's fridge lies the corner of sparkle. The corner of all things handmade. All pieces here have not been touched by any factory. I think I speak for these ladies, too, when I say the sign above speaks the truth. Their pretties add the cherry on top.

-People always want to buy the vintage seltzer bottles. See it in the middle of the photo? If you have any, they are wanted.

On the opposite corner of Oak Hollow and Confidence, lies Inspiration Corner. Blank journals, stationery, cards, just waiting for some ink. Jot yourself an affirmation note on a vinyl chalkboard---"This, too, shall pass."

Last stop on this tour, the Make Center. No explanation necessary, just supplies to create your own art. Melissa Frances, oh how I love the pink Mica flakes. Yes, we have them. Click here to see a project using them. Ooh, sparkly..I'm a sucker for the bling.

-Can you find one of the "goth-ed" girls in the Make Center?"

Thanks for taking the tour. We're open again in November, restocked and ready for you. More later. (I'm supposed to be watching the Vikings like a good Minnesotan. Failing miserably.)